Is Charlie Woods the real deal? Experts weigh in on the FSU recruit's golf prowess
Charlie Woods, the 17-year-old son of golf legend Tiger Woods, has committed to play college golf at Florida State, a top-tier program in the country. This decision comes as no surprise to those familiar with his talent, as Charlie is considered one of the most promising young golfers in his recruiting class, despite his famous last name.
On Wednesday, Woods officially announced his verbal commitment to the ACC powerhouse, where he will be mentored by coach Trey Jones and likely secure a lucrative name, image, and likeness deal. NCAA regulations prevent Jones and Florida State from publicly discussing athletes until they are signed, which will happen in November when Woods, a high school junior, officially joins the team. However, industry sources confirm that Charlie's recruitment profile is impressive, and his spot on the Florida State roster is well-deserved.
One college golf scout, who recruits elite players to a PGA Tour-level agency, noted that multiple top schools were interested in Charlie, not just because of his father's fame. "They all have famous alumni," the scout said. "They’re looking at Charlie because, fundamentally, he does a lot of things very well."
Initially, rumors suggested Charlie might follow in his father's and older sister Sam's footsteps at Stanford. However, according to a Division I coach, Charlie expressed a desire to stay closer to his Jupiter, Florida, home, leading to interest from schools like Alabama, Auburn, Florida, and SMU. The relationship between Charlie and Florida State became more apparent in December when Jones was spotted watching him compete in the Class 1A high school state championship in Florida.
Charlie Woods, center, has become accustomed to the spotlight, thanks to his father's fame. (David Cannon / Getty Images)
Florida State is a premier NCAA golf program, hosting the No. 1 junior in the world, Miles Russell, who has committed for the Class of 2027. The team finished as runner-up at the 2024 NCAA championships, and the program boasts a rich history of success, having produced golfers like Brooks Koepka and Daniel Berger. Luke Clanton, the former No. 1 amateur in the world, also transitioned from collegiate golf at FSU to the PGA Tour.
One top-level junior and PGA Tour swing coach with ties to FSU emphasized the program's focus on preparing golfers for professional careers. "You’re going to Florida State, and you’re getting prepped to be a professional golfer. There’s no two ways around it; that’s how that program is built," the coach said.
Charlie's rapid improvement in a short time is evident in his tournament scores and results over the last 10 months. From a scouting perspective, his athleticism is a significant asset, particularly his length off the tee, which can determine a player's competitive ceiling. However, it's his ability to capitalize on that distance that is more crucial.
Charlie's increased consistency in tournaments demonstrated to coaches that he has turned a corner with his scoring clubs, especially his wedges and putter. His technical skills are ahead of many juniors, and this is attributed to both good instruction and his dedication to working out in the gym.
A pivotal moment in Charlie's career came when he won the Team TaylorMade Invitational in May 2025, shooting 15 under par over three rounds at Streamsong Resort. This victory propelled him from No. 604 on the AJGA rankings to the top 20, earning him exemptions into future top events.
Since then, Charlie has consistently performed well, securing a top 10 finish at the Junior PGA Championship and two more top-20s in AJGA invitationals. He also qualified for the U.S. Junior Amateur by winning a sudden-death playoff, although he didn't advance to the match play at the championship. Charlie is now ranked No. 9 in his recruiting class.
The win at the Team TaylorMade Invitational not only showcased Charlie's ability to perform under pressure but also his mental toughness. He outperformed his future teammate, Miles Russell, by six shots at Streamsong, silencing any doubts about his ability to handle increased scrutiny and pressure as the son of a 15-time major champion.
Charlie regularly practices with his father at the Medalist Golf Club, playing alongside PGA Tour professionals like Justin Thomas and Rickie Fowler, constantly seeking their advice. This insider involvement in the college golf program undoubtedly provides benefits, from recruitment to access to resources.
However, Charlie's demonstrated abilities and potential for growth into a more competitive player are the primary reasons he was targeted by multiple top-level programs. His hunger, hard work, and dedication to improving his game make him a player with immense potential, according to one coach who believes the sky is the limit for his future success.
